It was announced last year that there would be changes to chapel in the 2016-2017 school year, including revamping the way that chapel worship was organized. Chapel auditions this fall were set up differently than in past years, with audition times set aside for bands and individuals. The bands were then selected for a year-long rotation, rather than pieced together month-by-month as they had been previously. There are seven groups in the rotation for chapel worship this year, each with their … [Read more...]
Many departments welcome new faculty and staff
This year, the Department of Communications has added several new faculty and staff members throughout the past year, as well as shifting the positions of some existing faculty members. Stephanie Leiter previously held the position of manager of online communication and community relations specialist at AU. Last winter, she transitioned into the role of director of content strategy and public relations. Leiter says that this change has “expanded [her thinking to] how all of the content the … [Read more...]
Power outage update
On Sunday morning shortly before 10 a.m., a transformer blew in the campground. The explosion resulted in power outages throug a few buildings on campus, most notably the Olt Student Center, Tara and South apartments, and Martin Hall. The Anderson University Police Department, physical plant and Food Services worked together to respond aptly to the situation. Once alternative plans were negotiated for food services, AUPD sent out a Raven alert notifying students of the power outage and the plan … [Read more...]
New Prayer Ministry begins
With a new school year comes a new group of student leaders stepping forward to lead in every section of campus life, including in the residence halls, freshman LART groups, and campus ministries. Dillon Lockwood, senior and former RA for Smith Hall, is the new head of our campus Prayer Ministry. “I’m new to prayer ministry,” Lockwood said, “But the spirit definitely led me to [it].” Lockwood was recruited by Becca Palmer, head of spiritual formation on campus, to lead prayer ministry this … [Read more...]
Campus undergoes renovations for centennial celebration
Recent renovations to AU’s campus have not gone unnoticed by students returning for another semester of classes. After more than three months of summer vacation, students arrived to a newly-paved valley and a renovated residence hall, among many more changes that together significantly improved the appearance of campus. More renovations, like those currently underway outside of Decker Hall, are to come in the near future. “[President Pistole] speaks to excellence in all things, and our campus … [Read more...]
Q & A with Rev. Tamara Shelton, new campus pastor
Tamara Shelton has been involved at AU for years, as a former student, resident director, assistant dean of students and director of residence life. Now, she will serve as the campus pastor. Q: What is your vision for your new role as campus pastor at AU? A: Of course there are the job description pieces of my role, which includes planning the chapel convocation program, and I’m working with a team of people to do that. But also, I think about it in the terms of being aware of the needs on … [Read more...]
Myers Hall reopens to house female undergraduates
For the first time since 2013, Myers Hall has opened its doors to residential living, this time exclusively for upperclassmen women. Betsy Reiff will be serving her second year as an AU R.D. in the refurbished building, having moved from the now-closed Rice Hall to the other side of campus. “I would love to see girls really claim this as a place that they love to live and make it their own,” said Reiff of Myers Hall, hoping to promote the Psalm 34:4-5 inspired dorm slogan “Be bold, be radiant, … [Read more...]
The Haven introduces SoNo, fresh Mexican grill
Students wanted change, and AU food services delivered it. SONO has joined Chic-Fil-A as one of the meal options featured in the Haven for the 2016-17 school year. SoNo is a Mexican-style restaurant, comparable to Qdoba or Chipotle, which offers students the option to build-their-own tacos or burritos and also features chips and queso. students can choose between different styles of beef or chicken, white or brown rice and different styles of cheeses. They also offer a burrito bowl, which is … [Read more...]
Dr. Strege publishes history of AU to honor centennial
As AU’s centennial approaches, many departments, staff and faculty members are contributing to the festivities in a variety of ways. One of the standouts is a book encompassing AU’s 100 years of history, written by Dr. Merle Strege. Strege retired as a professor in the Department of Religious Studies last year, but is still using his gifts on campus. He was asked years ago by Carl Caldwell, the former vice president for academic affairs, if he would be willing to write a book of AU’s 100 years … [Read more...]
Religious departments to come together
Throughout its nearly 100 years, AU has always offered some form of religious studies major. It wasn’t until 1950 when the School of Theology was opened for seminary students. From then on, AU’s Department of Religious Studies and School of Theology operated as two totally separate entities. However, starting in the fall of 2017, the two will merge and become the School of Theology and Christian Ministry. This merger will benefit AU financially, maximizing the use of available resources by … [Read more...]